PuriFire Energy has demonstrated its hydrothermal gasification system, which converts wastewater and carbon waste into green hydrogen and bio-methanol, at Shoreham Port as part the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Neel Shah, CEO of PuriFire Energy, commented: ‘Shipping is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise, and it will require entirely new fuel pathways if we are serious about reducing emissions at scale. This showcase demonstrates how wastewater and waste carbon can be transformed into circular fuels that support the maritime sector while reducing reliance on fossil energy sources.’
The technology is designed to integrate with existing port infrastructure to enable on-site fuel production and reduce reliance on external fuel supply chains. PuriFire sees its decentralised model as a way of boosting the role of ports as local energy hubs within a low-carbon maritime economy.
The Shoreham project brought together a consortium including HyperGen, X-Press Feeders, Newcastle University, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Associated British Ports. The system was integrated with multi-fuel micro gas turbines capable of operating on low-carbon fuels, demonstrating potential end-use within port operations.
Of the wider consortium, Shah said that ‘[i]t is incredibly encouraging to see such strong interest from industry partners, policymakers and investors as we move towards real-world deployment’.
Tom Willis, CEO of Shoreham Port, said: ‘Shoreham Port has always been a place where new ideas meet practical application. Supporting and hosting the debut of PuriFire’s hydrothermal gasification technology is an exciting moment for us and for the wider maritime sector. Projects like this show how ports can act as testbeds for the technologies that will power the next generation of cleaner shipping.’
PuriFire intends to continue working with partners to explore applications across UK and international port infrastructure.
